Hosts:

Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer

Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer

Episode Overview

In this episode of When the Call Hits Home, Jennifer and Ashlee are back after some time away and dive into a real, honest conversation about burnout in first responders. From conference insights to personal experiences, this episode highlights how stress builds and how our bodies often send warning signs before we’re ready to listen.

Ashlee shares her experience attending a international conference and what stood out most, including the science behind decision-making in high-pressure situations and the reality of how quickly first responders are forced to act. The conversation also explores decision fatigue, impatience, and how the job impacts life at home.

The episode takes a personal turn as Ashlee opens up about being forced to slow down after getting sick, missing an important trip, and realizing just how much she had been pushing herself. This leads into an important discussion about how burnout often starts with physical symptoms and why so many first responders ignore those early signs.

Together, Jennifer and Ashlee break down what burnout actually looks like, how it shows up in the body and behavior, and why rest isn’t optional.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• • How quickly first responders must make life-changing decisions

• • What decision fatigue looks like at work and at home

• • The connection between stress, the brain, and the body

• • Early physical signs of burnout (before emotional symptoms appear)

• • Why first responders often ignore or push through burnout

• • The importance of boundaries, rest, and listening to your body

Key Takeaways:

• • Burnout doesn’t start with a breakdown—it starts with subtle warning signs

• • Physical symptoms (fatigue, illness, headaches) are often the first red flags

• • High-performing individuals are more likely to ignore burnout

• • Rest is not a luxury—it’s necessary for long-term health and performance

• • You can’t pour from an empty cup

Resources & Support:

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider reaching out to a trusted peer, supervisor, or mental health professional who understands first responder culture.

Thank you for being part of our community. From hard-hitting topics to laugh-out-loud moments, we’re here with you because when the call hits home, you’re never alone.

Follow Us:

- Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast

- Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome

- Whenthecallhitshome.com

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This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Hosts:

Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer

Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jennifer and Ashlee dive into an exciting new adventure as they prep for their involvement with ILEETA - the International Law Enforcement Educators and Training Association. They share behind-the-scenes details about being invited to present and record live at the upcoming conference, their hopes for connecting with first responders from around the globe, and what it means for their podcast community.

While Jennifer reveals a bit of FOMO about missing the conference because of family commitments, Ashlee discusses the nerves and honor of representing the show in a live podcasting arena. They reflect on their show's growth, the importance of including first responder families in the conversation, and how culture and location shape the first responder experience from Texas to Wisconsin to Sweden!

This episode is filled with humor, heartfelt stories (like cowboy boot adventures and clever firefighter date tricks), and genuine curiosity. Jennifer and Ashlee encourage listeners to send in questions and feedback, making this a truly interactive season for "When The Call Hits Home."

Key Topics Covered

• The honor (and anxiety) of presenting and podcasting live at ILITA’s international conference

• ILEETA explained: what it stands for and why it matters for law enforcement education globally

• The vital role families play in first responder mental health and community

• Contrasts and similarities across first responder experiences from different U.S. states to international cultures

• The importance of wraparound wellness: addressing not just mental health, but physical fitness, financial well-being, and more

Send in your questions, topics, and experiences!

Jennifer and Ashlee want to include listener voices in their conference coverage—don't be shy!

Grab your show merch and represent When The Call Hits Home as the podcast steps onto the global stage!

Share the show with friends, family, and anyone in the first responder community.

Got questions or feedback for the live episodes? Reach out via our usual channels or social media!

Interested in learning more about ILEETA or getting your organization involved? Let us know, and we'll provide information during our live coverage.

Thank you for being part of our community. From hard-hitting topics to laugh-out-loud moments, we’re here with you because when the call hits home, you’re never alone.

Follow Us:

- Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast

- Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome

- Whenthecallhitshome.com

---

This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Hosts:

Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer

Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer

Guest:

Chief Deputy Justin Miller, Kenosha Sheriff’s Office

Episode Summary

In this heartfelt episode, Chief Deputy Justin Miller returns to talk with Ashlee and Jennifer about leadership, mental health, and breaking stigma in first responder communities. The conversation dives deeply into Justin's personal journey using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, how sharing vulnerability can transform departmental culture, and exciting news about their upcoming presentation at the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Conference (ILEETA).

Key Topics & HighlightsLeadership & Vulnerability: Chief Deputy Miller emphasizes leading by example, sharing his own mental health journey, and the importance of vulnerability in building trust within his department.

EMDR Therapy: Ashlee and Jennifer discuss the impact of EMDR and how it’s not just for job-related trauma, but often for deeply personal experiences. Chief Deputy Miller shares his powerful story processing grief and trauma through EMDR, describing the emotional catharsis and lasting changes.

Breaking the Stigma: The group addresses common fears around mental health programs for first responders -especially the worries about confidentiality, losing a job, or being seen as weak. Chief Deputy Miller advocates open dialogue, personal storytelling, and changing the culture to make wellness "the norm."

Department Initiatives: Launching "neck up checkups"- annual mental health check-ins. High participation reflects growing trust and normalization of mental wellness.

Upcoming Conference: Chief Deputy Miller and Ashlee (Dr. G) will co-present at ILEETA, sharing their department’s model for clinical and administrative partnership in crisis response.

Bonus: "When The Call Hits Home" will be podcasting live throughout the week at the conference, expanding their reach to thousands of international law enforcement professionals.

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

Follow Us:

- Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast

- Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome

- Whenthecallhitshome.com

---

This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.